Panel construction, also called “frame and panel” construction is the process of creating wooden furniture by attaching a flat piece of wood, referred to as the “panel,” to four pieces of edge-work, known as the “frame.” This is done by sliding the wooden piece into grooves on each of the four frame pieces to create a solid surface for almost any type of furniture.
Panel construction was most popular in European structural design between the Twelfth and Fifteenth centuries. Beginning in the min 1400’s, the same method of paneling began to be applied to furniture as well.
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Paneled construction has many positive applications. Since the panel and the frame are not directly attached by any means other than the grooves, the piece is able to expand and contract with more freedom, thus reducing the amount of cracking over time in moist or dry climates. It also made it possible to create larger pieces of furniture that could be adorned with detailed carvings.
Paneled construction is used to this day, so it is wise to make sure there is written documentation when purchasing a true antique to ensure that the piece is not a reproduction.
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